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Estimating the Output Gap After COVID: How to Address Unprecedented Macroeconomic Variations

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  • Camilo Granados
  • Daniel Parra-Amado

Abstract

This study examines whether and how important it is to adjust output gap frameworks during the COVID-19 pandemic and similar unprecedentedly large-scale episodes. Our proposed modelling framework comprises a Bayesian Structural Vector Autoregressions with an identification setup based on a permanent-transitory decomposition that exploits the long-run relationship of consumption with output and whose residuals are scaled up around the COVID-19 period. Our results indicate that (i) a single structural error is usually sufficient to explain the permanent component of the gross domestic product (GDP); (ii) the adjusted method allows for the incorporation of the COVID-19 period without assuming sudden changes in the modelling setup after the pandemic; and (iii) the proposed adjustment generates approximation improvements relative to standard filters or similar models with no adjustments or alternative ones, but where the specific rare observations are not known. Importantly, abstracting from any adjustment may lead to over or underestimating the gap, to too-quick gap recoveries after downturns, or too-large volatility around the median potential output estimations. **** RESUMEN: Esta investigación examina si y cómo es importante ajustar la estimación de la brecha de producto (PIB) durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Para ello, proponemos dentro de un enfoque bayesiano un modelo de Vectores Autoregresivos estructurales (BSVAR) con un esquema de identificación basado en la descomposición de choques permanentes y transitorios que explota la relación de largo plazo entre el consumo y el PIB, y cuyos residuales se escalan alrededor del periodo de COVID-19. Nuestros resultados indican que (i) Con un sólo choque estructural es suficiente para explicar la componente permanente del PIB; (ii) el método ajustado permite la incorporación del período de COVID-19 sin asumir cambios bruscos en la configuración de modelización después de la pandemia; y (iii) el ajuste propuesto genera mejoras en la aproximación en comparación con filtros estándar u otros modelos similares sin ajustes o alternativos, pero donde las observaciones específicas poco comunes no son conocidas. Es importante destacar que prescindir de cualquier ajuste puede llevar a sobreestimar o subestimar la brecha de PIB, a una recuperación de la brecha demasiado rápida después de las caídas o a una volatilidad demasiado grande alrededor de la mediana de dichas estimaciones.

Suggested Citation

  • Camilo Granados & Daniel Parra-Amado, 2023. "Estimating the Output Gap After COVID: How to Address Unprecedented Macroeconomic Variations," Borradores de Economia 1249, Banco de la Republica de Colombia.
  • Handle: RePEc:bdr:borrec:1249
    DOI: 10.32468/be.1249
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    Cited by:

    1. Arčabić, Vladimir & Panovska, Irina & Tica, Josip, 2024. "Business cycle synchronization and asymmetry in the European Union," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).
    2. Júlio, Paulo & Maria, José R., 2024. "Trends and cycles during the COVID-19 pandemic period," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).
    3. Daniel Parra-Amado & Camilo Granados, 2025. "Output Gap Measurement after COVID for Colombia: Lessons from a Permanent-Transitory Approach," Borradores de Economia 1295, Banco de la Republica de Colombia.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bayesian methods; business cycles; potential output; output gaps; structural estimation; Métodos Bayesianos; Ciclos económicos; Producto potencial; Brecha de producto; Estimación estructural;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C11 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Bayesian Analysis: General
    • C53 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Forecasting and Prediction Models; Simulation Methods
    • E3 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E37 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications

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